Porcelain tiles are the perfect choice for walls and floors up and down Palm Beach County, FL. When you look around in a hotel, bar, restaurant, or shop, you’ll probably find a porcelain tile used somewhere. Porcelain tile has many advantages and disadvantages over other materials such as natural stone, carpet, and laminate. Before discussing the pros and cons, let’s know what Porcelain Tiles are.
Porcelain tile is made by exposing clay to searing hot temperatures at around 2,300 to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit! You can call it a “high-fire” material for the very same reason.
The finished product is hard, heavy, and contains no pores, unlike other natural stones. This characteristic makes Porcelain superior in protection against moisture and humidity. Porcelain Tiles are mostly in use to cover floors and walls.
Porcelain tiles are made up of 2 Elements.
- Kaolin
- Ceramic
KAOLIN: It is known as China Clay. It is a silicate mineral that provides Porcelain tiles its Malleability and its Arrangement.
CERAMIC: It provides clarity and hardness. Porcelain Tiles are worthy because of their hardness, whiteness, high density, durability, Soft-touch, beautiful texture, and Mechanical resistance, and they last better for years.
Advantages of Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are worth using because their production takes place by highly refined clay at high temperatures that hold up well for years. You don’t need to care much about these tiles. They are solid and hard. The price of porcelain tiles is average because of their worth and durability.
Durability
Porcelain Tiles have high durability because of their high density. With the rise in its durability, its usage in commercial areas rises. Porcelain is waterproof as compared to other materials. You always look forward to high-durability tiles because it’s too difficult to change them repeatedly and fix their position. Because of its high durability, it is best for traffic areas.
Resistance
Porcelain Tiles are highly resistant because of their less absorption of water. They only absorb up to 0.5% of the water. That’s the main advantage of use in the home because it will affect the whole area and its surroundings if they absorb water. The Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture. It’s more resistant and is beneficial for traffic areas.
Density
Many other ceramic tiles materials are both tougher and denser than these Porcelain Tiles. Porcelain is a tough, long-lasting material that resists abrasive cleansers, spots, pigments, fading, heavy loads, and burning. They are denser because of their less water absorption rate, and while construction, it is highly heated at high temperature. So heating makes it more stable.
Easy to Clean
Porcelain Tiles are stained less and are easier to clean because of their low water absorption rate. Porcelain tile is simple to maintain since it does not require polishing, waxing, or sealing. Mop with a wet mop to sweep.
Wide Range of Styles and Designs
The design possibilities in Porcelain tiles are practically infinite, with a wide variety of colors and textures. Woodgrain, marble patterns that look attractive and beautiful.
Competent Material for Indoor & Outdoor Use
It has a high breaking strength since it contains less clay and more materials, and its production takes place at a higher pressure than ceramic options. Its strength makes porcelain effective for indoor as well as outdoor use.
Porcelain Tiles are Environmental Friendly
There are several reasons why porcelain tiles are more suitable for the environment than almost any other wall or floor tiles. Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for the environment as they are inert. Unlike other floors, porcelain tiles are chemically inactive and don’t give off harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that harm the atmosphere. No chemicals are required for its cleaning as warm water is the answer for daily cleaning.
Variety
Porcelain tiles come in various styles and weights, so look at all of them before making a purchase. Its variety depends on the materials available in tiles and their design. You can have different design options, colors, and patterns, so it will be very advantageous for you to select.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Tiles
High in Cost
Porcelain Tile is high in cost, so everyone can’t afford it. Its cost is high because of its more durability, multiple designs, different materials in tiles, and elegant looks. Many alternatives to Porcelain are available on a low-cost basis, but people use these tiles due to their versatile benefits.
Hard to Cut and Drill
Since porcelain tile is heavy-duty as compared to ceramic, its cutting requires some serious effort. Because Porcelain is a natural stone, it is hard and needs cutting and drilling expertise. It is more challenging to cut porcelain tiles in shape. When you bring it to your place for installation, make sure it does not require any further cutting.
Porcelain Tile is Heavier
Porcelain tiles are so heavier. That’s why it’s so much harder to fix at their original place, floors, or walls. When dealing with porcelain tile, we would suggest hiring a specialist. As a result, the surface remains clean and fresh-looking for fixing the tile smoothly.
Difficult to Repair
Porcelain tiles are so tough, so it is time-consuming to install them on walls and floors. It is so risky for workers to work on Porcelain. It would help if you always bought from a reliable and skilled source to direct you through the installation process. Hiring an expert team will resolve any issues you may have in the future.
Caution
Since porcelain tiles are extremely slippery, you must exercise extreme caution while walking because it is highly hazardous to your health. You have to use fewer detergents while cleaning. Otherwise, it will be very slippery and difficult to walk. You have to avoid wet floors in bathrooms because it will be dangerous for your legs while walking. Polished floors are a toxic-free flooring alternative, so they can be easy to maintain. They are moisture-resistant, so they are a slightly rough glaze that makes them slip-resistant.
A lovely read! Gained some relevant insights about Porcelain tiles. Keep up the good work
Excellent post. I’m going through many of these issues as well..